Beruflich Dokumente
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Information and
Communication
Technology
AS exams 2009 onwards
A2 exams 2010 onwards
GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Contents
1 Introduction 2
1.1 Why choose AQA? 2
1.2 Why choose Information and Communication Technology? 2
1.3 How do I start using this specification? 3
1.4 How can I find out more? 3
2 Specification at a Glance 4
3 Subject Content 5
3.1 Unit 1 INFO1 Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World 5
3.2 Unit 2 INFO2 Living in the Digital World 8
3.3 Unit 3 INFO3 The Use of ICT in the Digital World 12
3.4 Unit 4 INFO4 Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT
in the Digital World 16
4 Scheme of Assessment 24
4.1 Aims 24
4.2 Assessment Objectives 24
4.3 National Criteria 25
4.4 Prior Learning 25
4.5 Synoptic Assessment and Stretch and Challenge 25
4.6 Access to Assessment for Disabled Students 26
5 Administration 27
5.1 Availability of Assessment Units and Certification 27
5.2 Entries 27
5.3 Private Candidates 27
5.4 Access Arrangements and Special Consideration 27
5.5 Language of Examinations 28
5.6 Qualification Titles 28
5.7 Awarding Grades and Reporting Results 28
5.8 Re-sits and Shelf-life of Unit Results 28
6 Coursework Administration 29
6.1 Supervision and Authentication of Coursework 29
6.2 Malpractice 29
6.3 Teacher Standardisation 30
6.4 Internal Standardisation of Marking 30
6.5 Annotation of Coursework 30
6.6 Submitting Marks and Sample Work for Moderation 30
6.7 Factors Affecting Individual Candidates 31
6.8 Retaining Evidence and Re-using Marks 31
7 Moderation 32
7.1 Moderation Procedures 32
7.2 Post-moderation Procedures 32
Appendices 33
A Performance Descriptions 33
B Spiritual, Moral, Ethical, Social and other Issues 38
C Overlaps with other Qualifications 39
D Key Skills – Teaching, Developing and Providing Opportunities for 40
Generating Evidence
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
1 Introduction
• it allows greater opportunities for practical work The specification has been developed for students
than previous specifications who wish to progress to higher education or to
the world of work, where understanding how ICT
• practical work can be carried out using a wide can be used in society and organisations, and the
range of software and hardware of a centre’s implications of its use, will be a valuable asset.
choice
Ideas for teaching, including practical exercises,
• it allows for greater flexibility in modes of delivery will be provided in the Teacher Resource Bank and
support meetings for this specification.
• students can be truly engaged in their studies by
becoming active investigators rather than passive
learners
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
2 Specification at a Glance
AS Examinations AS
Award
Unit 1 – INFO1 1521
Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes examination
80 marks
Section A: short answer questions
Section B: structured questions
2
Available January and June
Unit 2 – INFO2
Living in the Digital World
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes examination
80 marks
Section A: short answer questions
Section B: structured questions
Available January and June
A2 Examinations A Level
Award
Unit 3 – INFO3
The Use of ICT in the Digital World
2521
30% of A Level
2 hour examination
100 marks
Section A: structured questions based on pre-release material
Section B: questions requiring extended answers
Available January and June
Unit 4 – INFO4
Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World
20% of A Level
Coursework project report, marked by centre and moderated by AQA
70 marks
Students complete a project involving the production of an ICT-related system over an
extended period of time
Available January and June
AS + A2 = A Level
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
3 Subject Content
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
1 The verb ‘to implement’ is taken to mean to create or produce an ICT-related system. Thus ‘implementation’
refers to whatever has been created.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Marking Criteria
3
1 Background and investigation 14 marks
2 Analysis and deliverables 15 marks
3 Design and planning for implementation 14 marks
4 Testing and documentation
of implementation 13 marks
5 Evaluation of the implemented solution 7 marks
6 The Project Report 7 marks
Total 70 marks
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Some deliverables have been objective assessment of a solution. understanding of the need to
consider user skills in designing a
referred to in the report, showing The deliverables are listed, solution. How the users will use
that the candidate has an idea demonstrating some the proposed system is described.
of what he/she has to produce. understanding of what the
(Note: the maximum mark candidate has to produce. Qualitative and quantitative
achievable in this section is 5 if a evaluation criteria have been
There is some evidence that included that match the client
simple task, rather than a system, findings have been checked with
has been analysed.) requirements and show a good
the client, demonstrating that the understanding of the need for the
candidate understands the need objective assessment of a solution.
for client involvement.
The candidate shows a full
understanding of the deliverables
that are required.
There is evidence of how all
findings have been checked
with the client and amended
as necessary, demonstrating
an effective response and full
understanding of the need for
client involvement.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
The candidate shows limited considered and training is Training needs have been
understanding of the testing considered in a time plan that considered and training has been
process, but has included a shows expected durations as included in a time plan that shows
test plan that may only include well as deadlines, showing some expected durations as well as
functional testing. (Note: the understanding of the need to deadlines, showing understanding
maximum mark achievable in this quantify time requirements. of the need to quantify time
section is 5 if a simple task, rather There is a test strategy for requirements.
than a system, has been designed testing the effectiveness of the The process of testing a system
and planned.) implemented system. The test is well understood with a strategy
plan shows an understanding and plan that includes testing
of the need to test the system against both evaluation criteria
against evaluation criteria or client and client needs.
needs.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
0 - 4 MARKS 5 - 7 MARKS
The candidate shows skills in evaluation by carrying Evaluation is well understood, with critical evaluation
out an evaluation of his/her implemented solution. having been completed that identifies strengths and
Some strengths or weaknesses in the solution have weaknesses of the solution and suggests possible
been referred to. improvements that could be made.
Reference is made in the evaluation to the client’s Evaluation refers to the client’s needs and evaluation
needs or the evaluation criteria. criteria.
The candidate shows some understanding of the The candidate has identified the strengths and
need to evaluate his or her own performance in weaknesses in the approach he/she has taken to
completing the work. his/her work and has identified how he/she could
improve his/her performance on similar work in the
future.
3
0 - 4 MARKS 5 - 7 MARKS
The candidate shows some understanding of the A well-structured report has been produced to a
requirements of a professional report. Software professional standard that makes good use of the
features have been used appropriately. features available in the software package used.
The language used by the candidate is generally The language used is suitable and the report is
appropriate to the report, but the content may be logical and well organised.
disorganised. The report is well illustrated, with appropriate material
Some illustrative material has been included, showing that the candidate has an understanding of
but shows that the candidate has only a basic the use of such material.
understanding of how to use illustrative material
appropriately.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
4 Scheme of Assessment
4.1 Aims
AS and A Level courses based on this specification – the ability to apply skills, knowledge and
should encourage candidates to: understanding of ICT in a range of contexts to
solve problems
• become discerning users of ICT, developing a
broad range of ICT skills, and knowledge and – an understanding of the consequences of
understanding of ICT. This should form a basis using ICT for individuals, organisations and
for progression to further learning, including society and of social, legal, ethical and other
progression from AS to A2, and/or employment. considerations about the use of ICT
• This specification encourages students to – an awareness of emerging technologies and an
develop: appreciation of the potential impact these may
have on individuals, organisations and society.
– the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively,
analytically, logically and critically
– the skills to work collaboratively
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Unit 1 Unit 2
AO1 15 45 60
AO2 35 5 40
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
5 Administration
AS A2 AS A Level
January 2009 4
June 2009 4 4
January 2010 4 4 4
June 2010 4 4 4 4
5.2 Entries
Please refer to the current version of Entry Unit 1 – INFO1
Procedures and Codes for up to date entry Unit 2 – INFO2
procedures. You should use the following entry
codes for the units and for certification. Unit 3 – INFO3
Unit 4 – INFO4
AS certification – 1521
A Level certification – 2521 5
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
6 Coursework Administration
The Head of Centre is responsible to AQA for ensuring that coursework/portfolio work is conducted in
accordance with AQA’s instructions and JCQ instructions.
6.2 Malpractice
Teachers should inform candidates of the AQA If malpractice is suspected, the Examinations Officer
Regulations concerning malpractice. should be consulted about the procedure to be
Candidates must not: followed.
Where suspected malpractice in coursework/ 6
• submit work which is not their own;
portfolios is identified by a centre after the candidate
• lend work to other candidates; has signed the declaration of authentication, the
• allow other candidates access to, or the use of, Head of Centre must submit full details of the case
their own independently-sourced source material to AQA at the earliest opportunity. The form JCQ/M1
(this does not mean that candidates may not lend should be used. Copies of the form can be found on
their books to another candidate, but candidates the JCQ website (http://www.jcq.org.uk/).
should be prevented from plagiarising other Malpractice in coursework/portfolios discovered
candidates’ research); prior to the candidate signing the declaration of
authentication need not be reported to AQA, but
• include work copied directly from books,
should be dealt with in accordance with the centre’s
the Internet or other sources without
internal procedures. AQA would expect centres to
acknowledgement or attribution;
treat such cases very seriously. Details of any work
• submit work typed or word-processed by a third which is not the candidate’s own must be recorded
person without acknowledgement. on the coursework/portfolio cover sheet or other
appropriate place.
These actions constitute malpractice, for which a
penalty (eg disqualification from the examination) will
be applied.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
7 Moderation
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Appendices
A Performance Descriptions
These performance descriptions show the level of The grade awarded will depend in practice upon
attainment characteristic of the grade boundaries at the extent to which the candidate has met the
A Level. They give a general indication of the required Assessment Objectives (see section 4) overall.
learning outcomes at the A/B and E/U boundaries at Shortcomings in some aspects of the examination
AS and A2. The descriptions should be interpreted may be balanced by better performance in others.
in relation to the content outlined in the specification;
they are not designed to define that content.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
Synoptic assessment
Synoptic assessment draws on both Assessment Objectives and will test candidates’ understanding of the
connection between different elements of the subject. The statements within the Assessment Objectives
contain an element of synoptic assessment.
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology Specification for AS exams 2009 onwards and A2 exams 2010 onwards (version 1.1)
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GCE Information and Communication Technology (2520) 2009 onwards
Qualification Accreditation Number: AS 500/2437/1 - A Level 500/2349/4
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specification. Further information is available at:
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